U.S. patent application number 14/295648 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for base block and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Brian Burnquist, Nancy Marie Johnson.
Application Number | 20150354213 14/295648 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53284586 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150354213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burnquist; Robert Brian ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
BASE BLOCK AND METHODS
Abstract
A wall base block includes opposed top and bottom faces, first
and second side faces, and first and second end faces. The first
end face is convex, and the second end face is concave and of
generally the same curvature as the first end face so that the
convex first end face of one base block can closely nest the
concave second end face of an adjacent base block. The block
includes alignment indicia to assist in aligning adjacent nested
blocks in straight or other predetermined angular relationships.
The base blocks can be used to make straight or curved bases for a
wall.
Inventors: |
Burnquist; Robert Brian;
(Chaska, MN) ; Johnson; Nancy Marie; (Hillsboro,
ND) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anchor Wall Systems, Inc. |
Minnetonka |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53284586 |
Appl. No.: |
14/295648 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/604 ;
52/745.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 1/39 20130101; E04B
2103/02 20130101; E02D 29/02 20130101; E04B 2002/0265 20130101;
E04B 1/04 20130101; E04B 2/08 20130101; E04C 1/395 20130101; E04B
2002/0263 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04C 1/39 20060101
E04C001/39; E02D 29/02 20060101 E02D029/02; E04B 1/04 20060101
E04B001/04 |
Claims
1. A wall base block comprising: (a) opposed top and bottom faces;
(b) opposed first and second side faces extending between the top
and bottom faces; (c) opposed first and second end faces extending
between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second
side faces; wherein (d) the first end face is convex and the second
end face is concave and of generally the same curvature as the
first end face, so that the convex first end face of one wall base
block can closely nest within the concave second end face of an
adjacently placed second wall base block; and (e) alignment indicia
on the top face adjacent the first and second end faces of the base
block to assist in aligning adjacent nested blocks in straight or
other predetermined angular relationships.
2. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicia
comprises notches adjacent the first and second end faces of the
base block.
3. The wall base block of claim 2 wherein the indicia notches are
formed in the first and second end faces and extend from the top
face to the bottom face of the base block.
4. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the first and second side
faces are oriented generally at right angles to the top and bottom
faces.
5. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the first and second end
faces are oriented generally at right angles to the top and bottom
faces.
6. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the block is formed of
concrete having a net compressive strength of at least about 3000
psi.
7. The wall base block of claim 6 wherein the block is formed of
dry cast concrete.
8. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicia
includes at least one notch in one of the first end face and second
end face, and a plurality of notches in the other of the first end
face and second end face.
9. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicia
includes no more than a single notch in one of the first end face
and second end face, and a plurality of notches in the other of the
first end face and second end face.
10. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicia
includes at least one notch in one of the first end face and second
end face, and a plurality of evenly spaced notches in the other of
the first end face and second end face.
11. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicia
includes at least one notch in the second end face and a plurality
of notches in the first end face.
12. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicia
includes no more than a single notch in one of the first end face
and second end face, and at least 5 notches in the other of the
first end face and second end face.
13. The wall base block of claim 12 wherein the 5 notches are
evenly spaced apart around the curvature of the first end face.
14. The wall base block of claim 12 wherein the single notch is in
the second end face and the 5 notches are in the first end
face.
15. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the radius of curvature
of the first end face and second end face is at least 5 inches.
16. The wall base block of claim 1 wherein the radius of curvature
of the first end face and second end face is no greater than 6
inches.
17. A method of forming a straight or angular base for a wall, the
method comprising: (a) providing a first wall base block having a
first rounded convex end face, an opposite second rounded concave
end face having generally the same radius of curvature as the first
end face, first and second side faces extending between the first
and second end faces; a flat top face and an opposite bottom face
between the first and second end faces and the first and second
side faces; (i) the first wall base block having alignment indicia
on the top face adjacent the first and second end faces; (b)
orienting the first wall base block on a surface with its bottom
face against the surface; (c) providing a second wall base block
having a first rounded convex end face, an opposite second rounded
concave end face having generally the same radius of curvature as
the first end face, first and second side faces extending between
the first and second end faces; a flat top face and an opposite
bottom face between the first and second end faces and the first
and second side faces; (i) the second wall base block having
alignment indicia in at least the top face adjacent the first and
second end faces; (d) orienting the second wall base block on the
surface with the second wall base block bottom face against the
surface and so that the first end face of the first wall base block
is received within the second end face of the second wall base
block; (e) while orienting the second wall base block, aligning the
alignment indicia of the first wall base block relative to the
alignment indicia of the second wall base block to achieve a
desired straight or predetermined angular shape of the base for the
wall.
18. The method of claim 17 further including: (a) providing a third
wall base block having a first rounded convex end face, an opposite
second rounded concave end face having generally the same radius of
curvature as the first end face, first and second side faces
extending between the first and second end faces; a flat top face
and an opposite bottom face between the first and second end faces
and the first and second side faces; (i) the third wall base block
having alignment indicia on the top face adjacent the first and
second end faces; (b) orienting the third wall base block on the
surface with the third wall base block bottom face against the
surface and so that the first end face of the second wall base
block is received within the second end face of the third wall base
block; and (c) while orienting the third wall base block, aligning
the alignment indicia of the first end face of the second wall base
block relative to the alignment indicia of the second end face of
the third wall base block to achieve the desired straight or
predetermined angular shape of the base for the wall.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to concrete blocks that can be used
as base blocks for a retaining wall or a free-standing wall. This
disclosure also relates to methods of arranging the base blocks for
constructing the wall.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Concrete blocks can be used to create various structures,
including, for example, retaining walls and free-standing walls for
landscaping. Example free-standing walls are described in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,256,182, incorporated herein by reference. The free-standing
walls described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,182 use a plurality of base
blocks to form the foundation or base of the wall, and then a
variety of other blocks are stacked on the base blocks to complete
the wall. The free-standing walls of U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,182 can be
made curved or serpentine in shape. The base blocks are laid down
in the desired curved shape of the resulting wall. The base blocks
can also be used to provide the base of a retaining wall.
[0003] What is desired is an easier and more convenient way of
making curved or serpentine walls, including, e.g., retaining walls
or free-standing walls.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In one aspect, a wall base block is provided. The base block
comprises opposed top and bottom faces; opposed first and second
side faces extending between the top and bottom faces; and opposed
first and second end faces extending between the top and bottom
faces and between the first and second side faces. The first end
face is convex and the second end face is concave and of generally
the same curvature as the first end face, so that the convex first
end face of one wall base block can closely nest within the concave
second end face of an adjacently placed second wall base block.
Alignment indicia are provided on the top face adjacent the first
and second end faces of the base block to assist in aligning
adjacent nested blocks in straight or other predetermined angular
relationships.
[0005] The alignment indicia can comprise notches adjacent the
first and second end faces of the base block.
[0006] The alignment indicia notches can be formed in the first and
second end faces and extend from the top face to the bottom face of
the base block.
[0007] The first and second side faces can be oriented generally at
right angles to the top and bottom faces.
[0008] The first and second end faces can be oriented generally at
right angles to the top and bottom faces.
[0009] The unit can be formed of concrete having a net compressive
strength of at least about 3000 psi.
[0010] The unit can be formed of dry cast concrete.
[0011] The alignment indicia may include at least one notch in one
of the first end face and second end face, and a plurality of
notches in the other of the first end face and second end face.
[0012] The alignment indicia can include no more than a single
notch in one of the first end face and second end face, and a
plurality of notches in the other of the first end face and second
end face.
[0013] The alignment indicia may include at least one notch in one
of the first end face and second end face, and a plurality of
evenly spaced notches in the other of the first end face and second
end face.
[0014] The alignment indicia may include at least one notch in the
second end face and a plurality of notches in the first end
face.
[0015] The alignment indicia can include no more than a single
notch in one of the first end face and second end face, and at
least 5 notches in the other of the first end face and second end
face.
[0016] The 5 notches can be evenly spaced apart around the
curvature of the first end face.
[0017] The single notch can be in the second end face, and the 5
notches can be in the first end face.
[0018] The radius of curvature of the first end face and second end
face can be at least 5 inches.
[0019] The radius of curvature of the first end face and second end
face can be no greater than 6 inches.
[0020] In another aspect, a method of forming a straight or angular
base for a wall is provided. The method comprises providing a first
wall base block having a first rounded convex end face, an opposite
second rounded concave end face having generally the same radius of
curvature as the first end face, first and second side faces
extending between the first and second end faces; a flat top face
and an opposite bottom face between the first and second end faces
and the first and second side faces; the first wall base block
having alignment indicia on the top face adjacent the first and
second end faces. The method comprises orienting the first wall
base block on a surface with its bottom face against the surface.
The method comprises providing a second wall base block having a
first rounded convex end face, an opposite second rounded concave
end face having generally the same radius of curvature as the first
end face, first and second side faces extending between the first
and second end faces; a flat top face and an opposite bottom face
between the first and second end faces and the first and second
side faces; the second wall base block having alignment indicia in
at least the top face adjacent the first and second end faces. The
method comprises orienting the second wall base block on the
surface with the second wall base block bottom face against the
surface and so that the first end face of the first wall base block
is received within the second end face of the second wall base
block. The method comprises, while orienting the second wall base
block, aligning the alignment indicia of the first wall base block
relative to the alignment indicia of the second wall base block to
achieve a desired straight or predetermined angular shape of the
base for the wall.
[0021] The method can include providing a third wall base block
having a first rounded convex end face, an opposite second rounded
concave end face having generally the same radius of curvature as
the first end face, first and second side faces extending between
the first and second end faces; a flat top face and an opposite
bottom face between the first and second end faces and the first
and second side faces; the third wall base block having alignment
indicia on the top face adjacent the first and second end faces.
The method can include orienting the third wall base block on the
surface with the third wall base block bottom face against the
surface and so that the first end face of the second wall base
block is received within the second end face of the third wall base
block. The method can include, while orienting the third wall base
block, aligning the alignment indicia of the first end face of the
second wall base block relative to the alignment indicia of the
second end face of the third wall base block to achieve the desired
straight or predetermined angular shape of the base for the
wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a base
block, made in accordance with the principles of this
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the base block of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the of the base block of FIG.
2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the convex end of the base
block of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a plurality of base blocks of FIGS.
1-4 arranged to form a curved base having a first radius;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a plurality of base blocks of FIGS.
1-4 arranged to form a curved base having a second radius;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a plan view of two base blocks of FIGS. 1-4
arranged to form a curved base having a third radius;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a plan view of two base blocks of FIGS. 1-4
arranged to form a curved base having a fourth radius;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a plurality of base blocks of FIGS.
1-4 arranged to form a serpentine shaped base;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a plurality of base blocks of
FIGS. 1-4 arranged to form a base in a straight line; and
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
free-standing wall using the base blocks made in accordance with
the principles of this disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview
[0033] A base block constructed in accordance with principles of
this disclosure can be used to form a base of walls, including, for
example, retaining walls and free-standing walls.
[0034] One example embodiment of a free-standing wall using a base
block constructed in accordance with the principles of this
disclosure is shown in FIG. 11 at 30. The wall 30 is constructed
and arranged from a plurality of blocks 32 and will result in a
self-supporting structure that can be used in landscaping. The wall
30 has a first wall face 34 and an opposite facing second wall face
36. As can be appreciated by the view shown in FIG. 11, the first
wall face 34 is formed from a first plurality of wall blocks 38,
while the second wall face 36 is formed from a second plurality of
wall blocks 40. In general, the blocks forming the wall 30 are made
from concrete, preferably dry cast concrete, but they may also be
made from wet cast concrete.
[0035] The free-standing wall 30 includes a plurality of base
blocks 42, made in accordance with the principles of this
disclosure. The base blocks 42 are provided to form the foundation
of the wall 30. In other embodiments, the base blocks 42 form the
foundation of other types of structures, including retaining walls.
The base blocks 42 are placed on the ground upon which the wall 30
is to be constructed. The base blocks 42 are arranged adjacent to
each other, end to end, to form a base course 44 of the wall 30. In
the example embodiment of FIG. 11, the first plurality of wall
blocks 38 and the second plurality of wall blocks 40 are stacked
upon the base course 44 to form the respective first wall face 34
and second wall face 36.
[0036] Cap blocks 110 are depicted at the top of the wall 30,
bridging the first plurality of wall blocks 38 and the second
plurality of wall blocks 40.
B. Base Blocks 42
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of the base block
42 is illustrated. The base block 42 has first and second side
faces 51, 52. The first and second side faces 51, 52 define the
height of the base block 42. In one embodiment, the height of the
base block 42 is about 4 inches, preferably at least 3 inches. The
height will preferably be no greater than 6 inches. The height of
the base block 42 will preferably be between 3.8 and 4.5
inches.
[0038] Between the first and second sides 51, 52 are first and
second end faces 54, 55. The first end face 54 is a rounded convex
end 56, while the second end face 55 is a rounded concave end 57.
The convex end 56 and concave end 57 have the same radius of
curvature, such that the base blocks 42 can be positioned next to
each other with the first rounded convex end 56 of one base block
fitting within the second rounded concave end 57 of a second base
block. Examples are shown and discussed in connection with FIGS.
5-10, below, in which several base blocks 42 are arranged adjacent
each other.
[0039] The shape of the first end face 54 and second end face 55
allows for the base blocks 42 to be arranged in a curved or
serpentine pattern in a predetermined angular relationship, and in
a straight line. In preferred embodiments, the radius of curvature
of the convex end 56 and the concave end 57 is at least 5 inches,
no greater than 6 inches, and preferably about 5.5 inches.
[0040] Between the first and second ends faces 54, 55 and the first
and second side faces, 51, 52 are the top face 46 and an opposite
bottom face 47. In general, the top face 46 has a contact surface
60, which is flat, to receive the first plurality of wall blocks 38
and the second plurality of wall blocks 40. The bottom face 47
faces and is against the ground.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side
faces 51, 52 are at right angles to the top and bottom faces 46,
47. However, the intersection of the first side face 51 with the
top and bottom faces 46, 47, and the intersection of the second
side face 52 with the top and bottom faces 46, 47 do not
necessarily have sharp corners, but can be radiused.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second end
faces 54, 55 are at right angles to the top and bottom faces 46,
47. The intersection of the first end face 54 with the top and
bottom faces 46, 47, and the intersection of the second end face 55
with the top and bottom faces 46, 47 do not necessarily have sharp
corners, but can be radiused.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the bottom face 47 includes a
plurality of recessed pockets 62. The pockets 62 permit the ground
to be received within the pockets 62 and help to anchor or secure
the base block 42 to the ground. While a variety of implementations
are possible, in the illustrated embodiment, the pockets 62 include
4 cavities 64, each cavity 64 being in one quadrant of the base
block 42. The cavities 64 have a circular shape, but could be any
shape. The cavities 64 have a depth of about 0.375 inches, and will
generally be greater than 0.25 inch and no greater than 0.5 inch.
The cavities 64 allows for sand or gravel used as a leveling pad to
embed and help to lock and secure the base block 42 to the
ground.
[0044] Preferably, the base block 42 further includes a hand hold
arrangement 65. The hand hold arrangement 65 can include at least
one hand-receiving indent 66 in the bottom face 47. The
hand-receiving indent 66 is sized to accommodate at least a few
fingers of a human hand and is provided to assist the user in
movement and manipulation of the base block 42. While a number of
variations are contemplated, in the illustrated embodiment, the
hand hold arrangement 65 includes 2 hand receiving indents 66, 67,
one located along each of the first and second side faces 51, 52
and generally centered between the first end face 54 and second end
face 55. The hand-receiving indents 66, 67 allow a user to insert
their fingers underneath the base block 42 when the bottom face 47
is down on the ground. The user's fingers can slide into the space
provided by the indents 66, 67 and the user then can move the base
block 42 around. The hand-receiving indents 66, 67 may have a
height of about 0.625 inches, and be at least 0.5 inches and no
greater than 2 inches.
[0045] The hand hold arrangement 65 can further include, in
addition to or alternative to one or more of the hand receiving
indents 66, 67, a through-core arrangement 68 extending completely
through the block 42 from the top face 46 to the bottom face 47.
The through-core arrangement 68 can provide a structure for a human
hand to grip, and it can help to result in a lighter weight block
42.
[0046] The core arrangement 68 includes first and second cores 70,
72. The first and second cores 70, 72 are generally centered
between the first and second side faces 51, 52 and can be
symmetrical with respect to the location between the first and
second end faces 54, 55. The first and second cores 70, 72 are
sized to accommodate a human hand and form hand holds for the block
42. That is, a user can put one of their hands in one of the first
and second cores 70, 72, and their other hand in the other of the
cores 70, 72 to grasp the block portion 74 between the first and
second cores 70, 72 to move and carry the block.
[0047] The core arrangement 68 including the first core 70 and
second core 72 have first and second edges 76, 77 that are
preferably parallel to the first and second side faces 51, 52,
respectively. Between the first and second edges 76, 77 are third
and fourth edges 79, 80, such that each of the first core 70 and
second core 72 is generally rectangular in shape. The first and
second edges 76, 77 being parallel to the first and second side
faces 51, 52 is helpful in forming a guide for the arrangement of
the first plurality of wall blocks 38 and second plurality of wall
blocks 40 on the base blocks 42, as explained in U.S. Pat. No.
8,256,182, incorporated herein by reference.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, as mentioned above, the base block
second end face 55 is rounded and concave. In this embodiment, the
rounded section 57 is contained within a pair of tips 82, 83.
Between the first side 51 and the tip 82 is a rounded corner 84,
while between the second side 52 and the tip 83 is a rounded corner
85. The corners 84, 85 are on a radius of about 2 inches, generally
at least 1 inch and not greater than 3 inches. The tips 82, 83 in
cooperation with the concave end 57 help to form sharper turns when
arranging the base blocks 42 in a curved or serpentine pattern.
Specifically, for example, the base block 42 shown also includes an
indent 88 along the first side face 51, and an indent 89 along the
second side face 52. The indents 88, 89 are generally located
nearest the center of gravity of the block 42. This location makes
handling of the block 42 easier when installing. The indents 88, 89
are shaped to receive the tips 82, 83 of an adjacent base block 42
when forming a corner, shown in FIG. 12 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,182,
incorporated herein by reference.
[0049] In one preferred embodiment, the base block 42 has a length
between the tips 82, 83 and center bight 90 of the concave end 57
of about 17.5 inches, at least 6 inches, and no greater than 38
inches. The width of the base block 42 between first side edge 51
and second side edge 52 is about 11 inches, at least 8 inches and
no greater than 36 inches. The width of each of the cores of the
through core arrangement 68 between the first and second edges 76
and 77 is about 2 inches, at least about 1 inch, and no greater
than 6 inches. The length of each of the cores of the through core
arrangement 68 between the third edge 79 and fourth edge 80 is
about 3 inches, at least 1 inch, and no greater than 6 inches. Each
of the hand receiving indents 66 has an overall length in the
direction from the block second end 55 to the block first end 54 of
about 4 inches, at least about 2 inches, and no greater than 10
inches. The width of each of the hand receiving indents 66, 67 from
each of the respective first and second sides 51, 52 is about 1
inch, at least 0.5 inches, and no greater than 3 inches. In
general, the hand receiving indents 66, 67 have a generally
rectangular shape in appearance, except where the indents 88, 89
protrude within the hand receiving indents 66, 67.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the base block 42 can be
divided into 2 regions, 92, 93. The regions 92, 93 are divided by
the side indents 88, 89. Region 92 is the region between the side
indents 88, 89 and the first end face 54. Region 92 has a general
shape from the top or bottom view of a truncated circle; that is, a
circle that has been cut off in a region below the diameter. The
region 93 is the region between the side indents 88, 89 and the
second end 55. Region 93 has an appearance of a rectangle with a
pair of jutting tails formed by the tips 82, 83.
[0051] The base blocks 42 can be made from concrete. The concrete
preferably has a net compressive strength of at least about 3000
psi. The concrete is preferably dry cast concrete, but it may also
be wet cast concrete
C. Alignment Indicia
[0052] In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the base
blocks 42 include an alignment system 100. The alignment system 100
is used to assist the user in aligning adjacent nested base blocks
42, in straight or other predetermined angular relationships. The
alignment system 100 includes alignment indicia 102. The indicia
102 are visual. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia 102 are
part of the top face 46. When the indicia 102 are part of the top
face 46, the indicia 102 can be seen by the user when the base
block 42 is in place with the bottom face 47 against the ground.
The indicia 102 can include, for example a marking system which can
include score marks, lines or other similar indicia on at least the
top face 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment indicia
102 includes notches in the first and second end faces 54, 55 of
the base building block 42 which extend to and can be seen on the
top face 46 of the block. In the example shown, at least one notch
104 is in one of the first end face 54 and second end face 55, and
a plurality of notches 106 in the other of the first end face 54
and second end face 55.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, the alignment indicia 102 includes the
at least one notch 104 in the second end face 55, and the plurality
of notches 106 in the first end face 54. In this embodiment, the at
least one notch 104 includes no more than the single notch 104 in
the second end face 55. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4,
there are at least five notches as part of the plurality of notches
106 in the first end face 54.
[0054] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of notches 106
includes five notches 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 evenly spaced apart
around the curvature of the first end face 54. In one embodiment,
each notch 111-115 has a width of at least 0.25 inch, not greater
than 0.5 inch, and preferably about 0.035-0.04 inch. Each notch
111-115 is spaced apart from the next adjacent notch 111-115 at
least about 0.2 inch, no more than 0.5 inch, and preferably about
0.25-0.3 inch. The depth of each notch 111-115 can be about the
same for each notch 111-115 in preferred embodiments. This depth
will be at least about 0.05 inch, no greater than 0.25 inch, and
preferably 0.1-0.15 inch.
[0055] The notch 104 in the second end face 55 preferably has the
same dimensions as the notches 111-115. For example, the notch 104
has a width of at least 0.25 inch, not greater than 0.5 inch, and
preferably about 0.035-0.04 inch. The notch 104 has a depth of at
least about 0.05 inch, no greater than 0.25 inch, and preferably
0.1-0.15 inch.
[0056] The at least one notch 104 in the second end face 55 is
preferably located along a central plane P (FIG. 3) orthogonal to
the contact surface 60 and bisecting the second end face 55 between
the tips 82, 83.
[0057] In reference again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the notches 104,
111-115 are formed in the second end face 55 and first end face 54,
respectively. The notches 104, 111-115 may extend at least
partially from the top face 46 to the bottom face 47. In the
illustrated embodiment, the notches 104, 111-115 extend completely
from the top face 46 to the bottom face 47.
[0058] The plurality of notches 106 in the first end face 54 are
symmetrical with respect to central plane P (FIG. 3) orthogonal to
the contact surface 60 and bisecting the block 42 between the first
side face 51 and second side face 52. In FIG. 4, there are two
notches 111, 112 on one side of the central plane P, and two
notches 114, 115 on the opposite side of the central plane P. In
this illustrated example, the notch 113 is bisected by the central
plane P.
[0059] To use the alignment system 100, the first end face 54 of
one of the base blocks 42 is oriented adjacent and nested within
the second end face 55 of an adjacently placed base block 42. The
at least one notch 104 on the second end face 55 is oriented with
respect to one of the plurality of notches 106 in the first end
face 54 to achieve the desired straight or other predetermined
angular relationship between the two adjacent base blocks 42.
Example arrangements are discussed in Section D, below.
D. Examples of Constructing Straight or Curved Bases for Walls
[0060] A method for forming a straight or curved base for a wall,
such as wall 30, can include providing a first wall base block 42,
having first rounded convex end face 54 and opposite second rounded
concave end face 55 having generally the same radius of curvature
as the first end face 54. The first block 42 is oriented on a
surface with its bottom face 47 against the surface. For example,
the surface can be a sand or gravel leveling pad.
[0061] A second wall base block 42, having first rounded convex end
face 54 and opposite second rounded concave end face 55 with the
general same radius of curvature as the first end face 54 is
oriented on the surface with its bottom face 47 against the surface
and so that the first end face 54 of the first base block 42 is
received within the second end face 55 of the second base block
42.
[0062] While orienting the second base block 42, the user will
align the alignment indicia 102 of the first base block 42 with
respect to the alignment indicia 102 of the second base block 42 to
achieve a desired straight or predetermined curved shape of the
base for the wall.
[0063] The base for the wall can continue to be built by providing
additional base blocks 42 and using the alignment system 100 as a
previously described. For example, a third base block 42, as
characterized above, is provided. The third base block 42 is
oriented on the surface with its bottom face 47 against the surface
so that the first end face 54 of the second base block 42 is
received within the second end face 55 of the third base block 42.
While orienting the third base block 42, the user aligns the
alignment indicia 102 of the first end face 54 of the second base
block 42 with respect to the alignment indicia 102 of the second
end face 55 of the third base block 42 to achieve the desired
straight or predetermined curved shape of the base for the
wall.
[0064] Example bases are illustrated in FIGS. 5-10. In FIG. 5, a
base 120 is formed having a first radius by aligning the at least
one notch 104 in each second end face 55 of the each base block 42
with the notch 114 in the first end face 54 of the base blocks 42.
The notch 114 is the first notch to one side of the central plane
bisecting the base block 42. When the base blocks 42 are aligned to
match the notch 104 with the first notch 114 to one side of the
central plane P bisecting the base block 42, the base 120 is formed
to have a predetermined radius. In the example of FIG. 5, the
radius of the base 120 is about 8 feet.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates another base 122. The base 122 has a
smaller radius than the base 120. The smaller radius of base 122 is
formed by aligning the notch 104 in the second end face 55 with one
of the notches 115 that is farther from the center plane bisecting
the base block 42 than the one notch 114 that is used in FIG. 5.
For example, in FIG. 6, the notch 104 in the second end face 55 is
aligned with the notch 115. The notch 115 is the second notch to
one side of the central plane P bisecting the base block 42. The
configuration of the base 122 forms a radius of about 4 feet.
[0066] While the examples of bases 120, 122 in FIGS. 5 and 6 show
the notch 104 of the second end face 55 being aligned with one of
the notches 111-115 in the second end face 55, it is possible to
use the indicia 102 such that the notches are not aligned with
another notch, but rather, are aligned between notches. This will
result in other desired predetermined radii for the base of the
wall. For example, in FIG. 7, two blocks 42 are shown as a portion
of a base 124. In base 124, the notch 104 in the second end face 55
is aligned between the notches 114, 115. This arrangement will
result in the base 124 having a radius of about 5.3 feet.
[0067] The base 126 shown in FIG. 8 illustrates the notch 104
aligned between the notches 113, 114. This arrangement will result
in the base 126 as having a radius larger than the base 120 of FIG.
5. In this example, the base 126 will have a radius more than twice
the radius of base 120. For example, the base 126 will be about
16.3 feet.
[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates a base 128 forming a serpentine shaped
base. To form the serpentine shaped base 128, the base blocks 42
use the indicia 102 to form different curves, depending upon the
desired resulting serpentine shape of the base 128. In FIG. 9,
there is a section 130 of the base 128 that has a radius going one
direction, while there is a section 132 in the base 128 with a
radius going the opposite direction.
[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates a base 140 forming a straight section.
There is no radius formed in base 140. To make the base 140, each
block 42 is centered with the adjacent block. This can be done by
aligning the at least one notch 104 in each second end face 55 of
the each base block 42 with the notch 113 in the first end face 54
of the base blocks 42. The notch 113 is the notch bisected by the
central plane P. In the resulting straight base 140, the central
planes P of each block 42 are generally co-planar.
[0070] It should be appreciated that many variations are possible.
The above are examples. Many embodiments may be made according to
the principles provided herein.
* * * * *